The Bound Between Us

Chapter 400

There were two results, so one of them had to be wrong.

Herman’s face grew serious as he asked, “Anastasia, what happened when you and Layna took the DNA test? How did you find Layna?”

Anastasia recalled the sequence of events and said, “I was at home when Anthony from the orphanage called, saying they found a child and wanted me to come over. I met with Anthony and then Layna. We took a hair sample for the DNA test. Monica was with me. The institution we went to is a reputable one; they wouldn’t have made a mistake.”

“Money talks,” Herman mused, tapping his finger on the table. He glanced at the sleeping Pattie and asked, “Anastasia, how do you plan to handle this?”

Anastasia caught on quickly. “Who could have bought the DNA testing institution? And what’s the purpose?” she wondered aloud. That was what she couldn’t understand.

“Could it be Julie?” Anastasia guessed. Julie had a history of shady dealings.

Herman replied calmly, “Finding out who did it is simple.”

Anastasia frowned. “You mean, make public my DNA results with Pattie.”

“It’s possible that the person behind this didn’t expect you to do a DNA test with Pattie, or that Pattie would be your biological daughter,” Herman said gravely. “Once we send Layna back, the puppet master will surely show themselves.”

Herman then told Dailey, “Check on Anthony from the orphanage. See who he has been in close contact with recently. He is the source, so we start there.”

“Yes, boss,” Dailey said, moving to carry out the order.

Anastasia looked at the DNA results with Pattie, and a wave of joy washed over her. “Pattie is really my daughter. After all the twists and turns, she’s been by my side all along.”

Anastasia was both ecstatic and guilt-ridden. This was her own child, who was right besides her, but she had no idea. Thinking about Penny’s abuse of Pattie, her heart ached.

Why hadn’t she brought Pattie to her side from the get-go? Why had she forgotten about her daughter, causing Pattie to suffer so much?

Anastasia’s eyes welled up with tears as she held Pattie’s small hand. Her tears fell freely.

“Herman, Pattie is my daughter. She’s really the child I carried for nine months,” Anastasia sobbed. The tears of joy streamed down her face.

“Now you can finally rest easy,” Herman said. “Once Pattie is discharged, we can lead a happy life as a family.”

Pattie awoke at that moment and saw Anastasia crying. Being an understanding child, she reached out to wipe Anastasia’s tears. “Mommy, don’t cry. Pattie isn’t in pain.”

Hearing this, Anastasia broke down. She held Pattie close, saying, “Pattie, I’m your mommy. I am really your mommy, and I’m so sorry. I forgot about you and let

you become an orphan. You’ve suffered so much because of me.”

Pattie didn’t understand. To her, Anastasia was her mommy. She didn’t see any difference between a biological mother and a mommy.

Pattie patted Anastasia’s back. Her voice was soft and childish. “Mommy is the best. I love Mommy. And Daddy too.”

In Pattie’s world, Daddy and Mommy were one. If she loved Mommy, she also loved Daddy. Her love was equal for both.

“Sweetie,” Anastasia said, moved. She kissed Pattie’s face. “Mommy loves you too.”

Salma came in with food and was overjoyed when she heard the results of the DNA test. Holding Pattie, Salma chastised herself, “It’s all my fault for being foolish back then.”

She had sent Pattie away, not wanting to burden Anastasia and hoping Pattie would find a good home. She had never expected Pattie to suffer so much. If she had known Pattie would end up in an abusive household like Penny’s, she would never have let her go.

Pattie was confused by Salma’s reaction. She didn’t know what was going on or why Grandma and Mommy were both apologizing to her.

When Salma had composed herself, she asked, “Ana, what about Layna? Are we sending her back?” Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Anastasia replied, “I’ll call Duncan and explain the situation.”

Layna was stubborn, so Anastasia worried the child wouldn’t accept the truth easily. The girl was aloof and willing to do anything to meet her goals, even at a young age. If she went down the wrong path, it would be difficult to correct.

Anastasia had to make the call. She had to find out who was pulling the strings behind the scenes.